1 December 2025

When considering the introduction of any Christmas decorations into the  premises for the upcoming  festive period, please follow this guidance to ensure safety:

Decorations

  • Take care with decorations . Decorations made of paper, cardboard, cotton wool and snow spray  should not be used – they are extremely flammable and can burn easily
  • Any Christmas decorations should be flame resistant/non-flammable/fire retardant – fire retardant decorations are available from suppliers
  • Positioning of decorations should not be in close proximity to sources of ignition
  • Decorations must not obstruct or obscure fire escape signage, firefighting equipment or other safety features

Christmas Trees

  • Christmas trees should be the artificial type only and flame retardant. Real Christmas trees are not appropriate.  
  • Christmas trees should never be put in positions where they obstruct or obscure escape routes or escape doors, fire escape signage, firefighting equipment or other safety features
  • Do not place Christmas trees, decorations or lights in the means of escape .i.e. doorways, corridors and other escape routes

Electrical lights and decorations

  • Don’t overload electrical circuits or daisy chain extension leads to avoid overheating.
  • Unless newly purchased, electrical lighting and electrical decorations should have an in date Electrical Safety Test (PAT) carried out within the last twelve months.
  • All electrical lighting and electrical decorations should conform to the relevant British Safety Standard and be marked with the appropriate Kite or CE mark. Lighting should be purchased from reputable sources only.
  • Do not place electrical lights or electrical decorations in close proximity to combustible materials
  • Switch off and unplug all Christmas lights and decorations at night
Return to Trust Wide Support Services News